What major obstacle did farmers face in the late nineteenth century?

Farmers in the late nineteenth century, particularly in the South, experienced significant challenges due to declining cotton prices, which were largely a result of overproduction. After the Civil War, there was a considerable expansion in cotton farming, facilitated by new agricultural technologies and practices. This surge in production led to an oversupply of cotton in the market, causing prices to plummet.

As farmers heavily relied on cotton as their primary cash crop, the decline in prices meant that many were unable to cover the costs of production, leading to financial distress. Additionally, the economic structure often pushed these farmers into cycles of debt, as they needed to borrow money to maintain their farms, further exacerbating their precarious situation.

This situation was compounded by several factors, including fluctuating demand, competition from other cotton-producing countries, and a lack of diversification in their farming practices. Consequently, the decrease in cotton prices due to overproduction became a significant obstacle for farmers during this era, affecting their livelihoods and contributing to broader economic difficulties in rural areas.